If you’re comparing childcare options in Alfredton, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: how much does childcare cost per day?
The answer depends on the type of care, your child’s age, the centre’s daily fee, what is included and the amount of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) your family is eligible to receive.
Current childcare directories place the average cost of centre-based childcare in Alfredton at around $140–$144 per day before CCS, although individual centres and age groups can vary. Current local listings report average daily costs of approximately $141.81 for babies, $147.46 for toddlers and $140.47 for kindergarten/preschool-aged children.
How Much Does Childcare Cost Per Day in Alfredton?
As a general guide, families looking for long day care in Alfredton can expect daily fees to vary by centre and age group.
| Care group | Current Alfredton market guide* |
|---|---|
| Babies | Around $142/day |
| Toddlers | Around $147/day |
| Kindergarten/preschool | Around $140/day |
| Overall local average | Around $143/day |
*These figures are local market averages from childcare comparison services, not Beginnings Early Learners’ fees. Individual centres may charge more or less depending on their programs, inclusions, operating hours and fee structure.
The most useful comparison is therefore not simply the advertised daily fee. Parents should also consider what they receive for that fee and what their final out-of-pocket cost will be after CCS.
What Affects Childcare Fees in Alfredton?
Childcare fees can differ between centres for several reasons.
Your child’s age
Babies and younger children can have different fee structures from older children. The staffing, room arrangements and care requirements can also vary according to age.
The number of hours included
Some centres charge a daily session fee covering a set number of hours. A longer operating day does not necessarily mean you pay only for the hours your child physically attends.
What’s included
When comparing childcare fees, check whether the daily fee includes things such as:
- Meals and snacks
- Nappies
- Sunscreen
- Educational resources
- Special activities
- Excursions or incursions
- Kindergarten programs
- Parent communication platforms
Two centres with similar advertised fees may provide quite different inclusions.
The type of program
Long day care, kindergarten programs, family day care and other forms of early childhood education can have different fee structures.
Beginnings Early Learners provides centre-based long day care in Alfredton, with care available for children from six weeks through to school age.
How Does the Child Care Subsidy Affect Your Cost?
The Child Care Subsidy can reduce the amount your family pays for approved childcare.
From 5 January 2026, CCS-eligible families can receive at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight, regardless of their activity level. Some eligible families can receive up to 100 hours per fortnight depending on their circumstances. Families must still meet CCS eligibility requirements and generally pay a gap fee.
Your actual subsidy depends on factors including:
- Family income
- Number of children in care
- The age of your children
- Type of approved childcare
- Recognised participation and other eligibility circumstances
The CCS calculation also uses an hourly rate cap. For centre-based day care, Services Australia currently lists an hourly rate cap of $13.30 for the relevant below-school-age category. If a centre’s effective hourly fee is higher than the applicable cap, CCS is calculated using the cap rather than the entire fee.
Important: CCS does not mean free childcare
Even when a family receives CCS, there is generally still an amount to pay.
For example, if a centre charges a daily fee above the amount covered by your subsidy and applicable CCS cap, you pay the remaining gap.
Your exact amount should therefore be calculated using your family’s circumstances rather than a general percentage.
What Should You Compare When Looking at Childcare Costs?
The cheapest daily fee isn’t necessarily the best value for your family.
Before choosing a centre in Alfredton, compare:
1. Daily fee
Ask exactly how much you will pay before CCS.
2. Hours of care
Check the centre’s standard session length and opening hours.
3. What’s included
Ask whether meals, nappies, sunscreen and other everyday items are included.
4. Educational program
Look beyond the price and understand how children learn and develop during the day.
5. Kindergarten program
If your child is approaching kindergarten age, ask how the program works and what is included.
6. Educators
Ask about educator qualifications, relationships with children, staffing arrangements and how educators support individual learning.
7. Communication with families
Find out how the centre shares information about your child’s day, learning and development.
8. Location and convenience
A centre that works well with your commute can make a significant difference to your family’s daily routine.
For more questions to ask during a childcare tour, see our guide to [questions to ask a childcare centre before enrolling].
Childcare at Beginnings Early Learners Alfredton
Beginnings Early Learners is a locally owned and family-operated early learning provider with a centre at 2 Mia Street, Alfredton.
The Alfredton centre provides centre-based long day care and is approved for Child Care Subsidy. Current official information lists its overall rating as Meeting National Quality Standard, with the latest regulatory visit recorded in November 2025.
The centre operates Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 6:30pm, giving families a full-day care option around work and family commitments.
Beginnings’ approach includes a Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, play-based learning, nature and sustainability experiences, creative activities and strong partnerships with families.
The centre also promotes chef-prepared meals and a focus on health and wellbeing as part of its broader early learning approach.
What Are Beginnings Early Learners Alfredton’s Fees?
Childcare fees can change, so families should contact Beginnings Early Learners directly for the current Alfredton daily fee, available places and inclusions.
When enquiring, ask for:
- Current daily fee
- CCS-adjusted estimate
- What is included in the daily fee
- Kindergarten inclusions
- Available days
- Enrolment and waitlist information
Is Childcare in Alfredton Worth the Cost?
For many families, the value of childcare extends beyond supervision while parents work or study.
A quality early learning environment can provide opportunities for children to:
- Build social skills
- Develop independence
- Explore through play
- Strengthen communication
- Develop confidence
- Build early learning skills
- Develop relationships with educators and other children
- Prepare for the transition to school
The right centre should therefore be assessed on cost, care, learning, environment, educators, communication and convenience, rather than price alone.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Childcare Centre in Alfredton
Before enrolling, ask:
- What is the daily fee?
- How much could I pay after CCS?
- What does the fee include?
- What are the centre’s opening hours?
- Do you offer kindergarten?
- What meals are provided?
- How do educators communicate with families?
- How does the centre support children’s individual interests?
- What is the centre’s current NQS rating?
- Are places available on the days we need?
Visiting the centre is one of the best ways to answer these questions.
Looking for Childcare in Alfredton?
If you’re comparing childcare centres in Alfredton, the best next step is to visit the centre, meet the educators and see the learning environment for yourself.
Beginnings Early Learners welcomes families to explore its Alfredton centre and learn more about its programs, fees and availability.
Book a tour or enquire about a place for your child today.